New Switcher, have a few MBP questions

[Felldownthewell]

Yesterday afternoon I walked into the local mac store (not the apple store, although there are several close by, the mac store is just closer) and placed an order for the MBP in my sig. It arrives in a couple of days BTO. It will be my first mac, although I have used macs at school for years. I have a few questions:

Firstly, what exactly do clean installs do? From what I have read on these forums they are reinstalling the OS, but does this mean that iLife progs and my files get deleted? the only reason I would clean install would be to get more HDD space. Is it really worth it?

Secondly, it will be plugged in alot of the time. Does this drain the battery capacity? If so, can I have the MBP on (plugged into the wall) and the battery out?

Third, any suggestions as to a good wireless or wired optical mouse?

Fourth, is it difficult to install more RAM?

And finally, fifth, is applecare worth it? I know that is a subjective question, but I wonder what are people's experiances with applecare; is the extra $250 (student discount) worth it? I plan to keep this computer for 3-4 years.

I hope this is the right area to post this in, thanks for any help you can give.

 

[matticus008]

Firstly, what exactly do clean installs do? From what I have read on these forums they are reinstalling the OS, but does this mean that iLife progs and my files get deleted? the only reason I would clean install would be to get more HDD space. Is it really worth it?

A clean install wipes out all the configurations, plists, and add-on applications that might accumulate over time. There's no need to do one right out of the box. Saving space (by removing printer drivers and language localizations) can be done without reinstalling the OS entirely. You don't want to do a clean install--your computer is brand new.

Secondly, it will be plugged in alot of the time. Does this drain the battery capacity? If so, can I have the MBP on (plugged into the wall) and the battery out?

The battery should be fine, though you should probably just unplug the MacBook every week or two and run it off battery for a while, just so it keeps in good shape. When it says you're on reserve power and have 14 minutes left or whatever, you can just plug it back in. Every two months or so, though, let the battery run down until it forces the computer to sleep. That should keep your battery in relatively good shape.

Third, any suggestions as to a good wireless or wired optical mouse?

Well, do you want wired or wireless? It makes a difference. Just get a mouse that you like from a reputable brand (Apple, Logitech, Microsoft). It's all about individual preference and comfort. Different hands and usage styles makes different mice "better."

Fourth, is it difficult to install more RAM?

No, it's not difficult. Finding an appropriately sized screwdriver can be difficult, and you have to be careful not to strip the heads by over-torquing.

As for AppleCare, I have gone both ways. You might never need it, but if you do and you don't have it, it'll cost you. It's not comprehensive coverage, so I generally lean toward skipping it in favor of a better personal insurance plan. But if you don't have any other coverage, better safe than sorry.

 

[lanray]

I don't know much about your first several Q's, and I suspect someone will answer them in due course (this site is pretty sociable like that), but I will chime in on the last. Get Applecare. I sent in my iBook 3x before the 3 years ran out, and the last time was kind of my own fault (I abused the computer and the spot where the battery charger connects started working loose - they fixed it without question). It's worth it. Plus, I pitched a fit when I had to send it in 3x in a row (back when the logic board problem wasn't "official"), and they sent me a refurb iPod. Not bad for my investment. The PB in my sig is covered - haven't had a problem, yet, though.

 

[yankeefan24]

1. you've heard
2.no, yes
3. try apple's. not sure of too many others (don't use too many).
4.no
5. yes.

-yankeefan producing the shortest possible answers.

 

[ravenvii]

Clean installs are unnecessary when you first get your computer, but I tend to do it anyway. I prefer to install the OS and install the stuff I want on there, instead of having loads of preinstalled stuff.

As for the battery, I just didn't worry about it. The more you empty and refill it, the faster it will die (apparently), so I just don't worry about it. I plug it in when I can, and use the battery when I need to.

As for mice, it's up to personal preference. Some like the Mighty Mouse, some don't. Some hail the Logitech MX1000 as the Second Coming. Just don't bother looking for a Bluetooth mouse. The Apple Bluetooth Mouse is the only one out there worth buying, and if you don't like oen-button mice, then that's out too. So just go to your local Best Buy or CompUSA and check some mice out.

As for the RAM, don't get any extra through Apple. It's easy, and much much cheaper to install them yourself.

AppleCare, personally for desktops I don't bother, for computers I intend to keep for two years tops, I don't bother. For laptops I intend to keep for 3 years or more, I suggest it.

 

[elisha cuthbert]

Firstly, what exactly do clean installs do?

Clean Installs just erase EVERYTHING and install the operating system

Secondly, it will be plugged in alot of the time. Does this drain the battery capacity? If so, can I have the MBP on (plugged into the wall) and the battery out?

I keep my ibook plugged in most of the time and it dosent do much to the battery, but i wouldnt take the battery out and leave it on the power

Third, any suggestions as to a good wireless or wired optical mouse?

A good wired optical mouse is a mighty mouse from apple or from what i have used A genius NetScroll mini traveller works well but mostly it just depends on your budget

Fourth, is it difficult to install more RAM?

Not really its pretty easy but if you dont think can just take it to an apple service store and they can help you out

And finally, fifth, is applecare worth it? I know that is a subjective question, but I wonder what are people's experiances with applecare; is the extra $250 (student discount) worth it? I plan to keep this computer for 3-4 years.

Applecare is the most important thing you can get, I have a protection plan on all of my apple products and it turned out that i needed it for all of them.

Hope this helps you